How to Fix Sewing Machine Handwheel

Why Won’t My Singer Sewing Machine Handwheel Turn?

If you’re a sewer, you know that one of the most important parts of your sewing machine is the handwheel. After all, it’s what controls the needle! So, what do you do when your Singer sewing machine handwheel won’t turn?

First, don’t panic. There are a few different things that could be causing the problem, and most of them are relatively easy to fix. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through some of the most common reasons why your Singer sewing machine handwheel might not be turning—and how to fix them.

  1. The handwheel is not properly attached to the machine.
    If the handwheel does not seem to be properly attached to the machine, make sure that it is securely in place. To do this, first remove the stitch plate (the metal plate located near the needle). Then, check to see if the handwheel is loose. If it is, use a screwdriver to tighten the setscrew located on the side of the handwheel until it is snug against the shaft of the motor. Once that’s been done, reattach the stitch plate and try again.
  2. The presser foot is not lowered.
    The presser foot must be in the lowered position in order for the needle to start moving—and in turn, for the handwheel to start turning. If your presser foot is raised, lower it by pressing down on the lever located on the back of your sewing machine. Once that’s been done, try moving the handwheel again.
  3. The needle thread tension is too tight .
    If you’re having difficulty moving the handwheel and there doesn’t seem to be anything physically blocking it from moving, there’s a good chance that your needle thread tension is too tight. To fix this issue, take a look at your user manual—it should tell you how to properly adjust your needle thread tension. Once you’ve made the necessary adjustments, try moving the handwheel again.

Troubleshooting a Singer Sewing Machine Handwheel That Won’t Turn

If you’ve been sewing for any length of time, you know that a sewing machine handwheel that won’t turn can be a frustrating problem. We’ll troubleshoot the most common reasons why your Singer sewing machine handwheel won’t turn, so you can get back to sewing as soon as possible.


Check the bobbin case. One of the most common reasons why a sewing machine handwheel won’t turn is because the bobbin case is not inserted correctly. To check if this is the problem, remove the bobbin case and reinsert it, making sure that it is properly locked into place. If this doesn’t solve the problem, move on to the next troubleshooting step.

Check the needle. Another common reason for a sewing machine handwheel that won’t turn is because the needle is not inserted correctly. To check if this is the problem, remove the needle and reinsert it, making sure that it is properly tightened. If this doesn’t solve the problem, move on to the next troubleshooting step.

Check for thread jams. Thread jams are another common issue that can cause a sewing machine handwheel to won’t turn. To check for thread jams, first remove any excess thread from the needle and Bobbin case area. Next, disengage the sewing machine’s feed dogs by raising them to their highest position. Finally, manually turn the handwheel to see if it turns freely. If it does not, there may be a thread jam somewhere inside the sewing machine that will need to be removed by a qualified technician.


We’ve gone over some of the most common reasons why this happens and how to fix them. Most likely, one of these troubleshooting steps will get your sewing machine up and running again in no time. However, if none of these steps solve the problem or if you are unsure of how to properly execute them, we recommend taking your Singer sewing machine to a qualified technician for further assistance.


What Does the Handwheel do on a Sewing Machine

The handwheel on a sewing machine is used to control the needle. By turning the handwheel, you can raise or lower the needle. This is useful for when you need to change the stitch size or tension. Additionally, the handwheel can be used to thread the needle.

How to Fix a Sewing Machine Handwheel

One of the most common problems with sewing machine handwheels is that they become loose over time. This can happen for a number of reasons, but the most common cause is simply wear and tear. If your handwheel is starting to feel loose, the first thing you should do is check the screws that hold it in place. These screws can sometimes come loose, so be sure to tighten them if necessary.

Another common problem is that the handwheel may start to squeak or make other strange noises. This is usually due to a build-up of dust and dirt inside the machinery. To fix this issue, you’ll need to open up your sewing machine and clean out the dust with a soft cloth or brush. Once you’ve done that, add a drop of oil to the handwheel itself and operate it a few times to spread the oil around. This should silence any squeaks or other noises.

If your handwheel is still not working properly after following these steps, there may be an issue with the gears inside your sewing machine. To access these gears, you’ll need to open up your machine and take a look inside. If any of the gears are stripped or broken, they will need to be replaced. However, if all of the gears look in good condition, the problem may be with the handwheel itself. In this case, you’ll need to take it to a professional for repairs or replacement.


Maintainence Tips for Sewing Machine Handwheel

One of the most common problems that can occur with a sewing machine is a stuck handwheel. If your handwheel is stuck, it can be difficult (or even impossible) to sew. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to fix a stuck handwheel.

Before you begin, make sure that the power is turned off and the handwheel is in the down position. Once you’ve done that, follow these steps:

Step One: Check for debris. The first thing you’ll want to do is check for any debris that might be preventing the handwheel from turning. Sometimes, thread or lint can become wrapped around the handwheel, making it difficult to turn. If you see any debris, use a small brush or tweezers to remove it.

Step Two: Apply WD-40. If there doesn’t appear to be any debris causing the problem, try applying WD-40 to the handwheel. WD-40 is a lubricant that can help loosen up stuck parts. To apply WD-40, simply spray it onto the handwheel and let it sit for a few minutes before trying to turn the wheel again.

Step Three: Use soap and water. If WD-40 doesn’t do the trick, try using soap and water instead. Wet a cloth with soapy water and wipe down the handwheel. Then, try turning the wheel again. The soap can help lubricate the wheels and make them easier to turn.

Step Four: Call a professional. If none of these tips seem to be working, it might be time to call a professional for help. A sewing machine repair person will be able to take a look at your machine and determine what’s causing the problem. In most cases, they’ll be able to fix it quickly and get you back to sewing in no time!

Conclusion:
We hope this blog post has helped you troubleshoot and fix some common issues with sewing machine handwheels. Remember to always consult your sewing machine’s manual before performing any repairs, and if you’re ever unsure about anything, don’t hesitate to take it to a professional for help.

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